The Artist Residency program at the Walk In Art Center gives an up-and-coming artist the opportunity to grow in their discipline

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The Ideal Candidate:

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• is a recent college graduate with a BFA in an art discipline

• is a current BFA student looking to build a graduate school portfolio

• is a young art professional looking to gain professional or teaching experience

• has specific interest in

  • any 2D art

  • clay, pottery, & sculpture

  • fiber arts: weaving, spinning, etc.

• has their own transportation

• enjoys spending time in a vibrant art community

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The WIAC program includes: 

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• Dedicated Time: Residencies provide a block of uninterrupted time for the artist to focus purely on their work. This is especially valuable for artists juggling multiple commitments or facing distractions.

• Access to the WIAC's fiber arts classroom (looms, spinning wheels, etc), its Art Education Center, clay and pottery areas (use of wheels, tools, kilns etc.),  and 24-hour access to the building.

• Inspiring Environment: The Walk In Art Center is located in the heart of PA's "Coal Country" with ample outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, etc.) and varied ethnic influences and history, which can be a catalyst for creativity and new ideas.  Within 2 hours to major northeast cities.

• Collaborations: Resident artists can work together with member artists of the Walk In Art Center and other area arts groups from various backgrounds and disciplines, creating opportunities for collaboration, idea exchange, and learning from others.

• Exposure: Artists can work with the WIAC gallery curator to create engaging shows at the WIAC's Main Gallery or in conjunction with other galleries throughout the area and beyond.​

• Portfolio Building: Artists will have the opportunity to create a body of work during the residency, which can be a significant addition to their portfolio.

• Public Exhibitions: The residency will culminate in a public exhibition of their work which will provide the artist with a platform to present their work to a wider audience.

• Resume Building: Being selected for a residency can enhance an emerging artist’s resume or CV, helping to boost their credibility in the eyes of potential buyers, curators, and galleries.​

• Freedom to Experiment: With fewer financial pressures and a dedicated creative space, artists can take risks with their work, experiment with new materials, techniques, or concepts that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore.

• No Commercial Pressure: work produced during the residency isn’t immediately tied to sales or commercial success, allowing the artist to focus purely on artistic exploration rather than market demands.

• Specialized Equipment: residencies provide access to specialized equipment, studios, or materials that artists might not otherwise be able to afford including access to a 500 square foot, supply-filled classroom space and independent studio space.

• Self-Discovery: Being in a new environment with a focused, creative community can lead to personal growth, a deeper understanding of one’s artistic practice, and the ability to push through creative blocks.

• Focus on Long-Term Goals: Residencies offer time and space for reflection, helping artists clarify their vision and goals for the future of their practice.

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Additional Benefits

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• Access to open studio times in other disciplines

• Use of tools and equipment

• Access to in-house frame shop

• Admission to any music or art event occurring during stay

• No weekend commitments

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Program Details

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The residency is a 6-week program beginning in January or June.  (application deadline for June 2026 deadline is April 15, 2026)

Includes housing (private bedroom and access to shared spaces & laundry)

Includes meals (3 meals daily per artist's dietary requirements)

Program fee:  $1350 per 6-week program or a 4-week program for $1000.

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Artist Requirements

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• Spend 25 hours weekly in studio

• Teach one 3-hour class weekly

• Conclude with a gallery show with artist talk-back/presentation

• Must have own transportation

• Must purchase own medium (clay, canvas, etc. to be pre-determined based on applicant's needs--other supplies available).